Earlier today, the Princess of Wales visited the Windsor Family Hub to view a stress management course, health visitor session, and a baby massage course while also meeting with local families who receive support from the organisations that run the Hub.
At the same time, I took my boys to our local baby/toddler group. For an optional donation of £2.50 (paid weekly, if you can, and if you leave your coins at home, just bring them next week) a local village hall is transformed into toy heaven, with a weekly craft, nutritious snack, and music/dance activity. Mums, dads, grannies, and childminders get unlimited coffee or tea, and once a term there is a big party with a lunch and bouncy castle. Today, I sat in a corner - by myself - in semi-silence - while the boys played with Playmobil and dinosaurs and trucks. This week, I needed coffee and semi-silence. Sometimes I need a chat with someone my own age, or a recommendation on garden centres from one of the older ladies.
Family Hubs and baby/toddler groups are so common in the UK. There are half a dozen we could easily go to each week within a 15 minute drive. Health visitors (nurses who specialise is community support and baby/early years care) come to your house or to your local community centre. And none of these services are for profit. Most of them are free or very inexpensive, with fees simply covering the cost of biscuits and the village hall hourly rental. These services are not for making money, they’re for making community.
The UK isn’t perfect, but seeing the importance of community and receiving the support for our own family has been invaluable. Just this weekend, I made a cake for the village jumble sale to sell at the tea room to raise funds for restoration of our medieval church. Community.
I hope its interesting to hear that these projects and organisations that royals like the Princess of Wales support aren’t just for underprivileged families, but for every British family. If just one lonely mum visits a new baby group this week, wouldn’t that be lovely? Imagine how many families Google “family hub near me” and receive support they otherwise wouldn’t have.
And maybe - hey, I like to dream big - somewhere in America, someone else will start a baby/toddler group in their local park, that isn’t expensive/political/religious/exclusive. Maybe parenthood doesn’t have to be a relentless slog. Sometimes you just need a safe space where your kids can play, and you can drink coffee in semi-silence.
✨Royal Sparkle✨ Stories
These are stories that just make you feel good. I’m not saying they are winning Pulitzers, I’m just saying they’ll boost your endorphins.
You can watch the latest episode of Royally Us, co-hosted by yours truly, here.
I had so much fun on TalkTV’s The Royal Tea this week, too! Watch it here.
Prince William & Kate hooked on padel tennis & play fiercely competitive matches with pals
I’m so proud to back The Sun’s Fabulous’ Baby, Bank on Us campaign – it is a vital cause, says Kate
Pssst - I’m including a few gingham blazers in this week’s Second-Hand Scores!
Second-Hand Scores
I’ve included extra finds this week, to make up for being ✨too busy being fabulous✨ to share any last week!
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